presbyterate

/prɛzˈbɪtərɪt/
noun
  1. The office, rank, or body of presbyters (elders) in a church.
    • The presbyterate met to discuss the new church policies.
    • He was admitted to the presbyterate after his ordination ceremony.
    • The presbyterate in that diocese includes both men and women.
Synonyms
What does "presbyterate" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean